German-Chinese Team Establishes High-Power Vanadium Flow Battery R&D Center in Shenzhen to Advance Long-Duration Energy Storage Innovations
Date: 16 Jan 2025 |
Source: Southern Metropolis Daily, 6 January 2025
Shenzhen Yuanji Energy Technology Co., Ltd. ("1st Flow") has inaugurated its High-Power Vanadium Flow Battery research and development center in the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Innovation Cooperation Zone at Hetao. The launch on 15 January marks a significant step in the development of ultra-high-power vanadium flow battery stacks, as the company integrates advanced German technology with the vast resources of the Chinese market. This initiative aims to localize and globalize long-duration energy storage solutions, providing critical support for global energy transition efforts.
The High-Power Vanadium Flow Battery R&D Center inauguration ceremony gathered key stakeholders, including Shenzhen and Futian District government officials, industry experts, investors, and supply chain representatives. The event highlighted the collaborative efforts of Chinese and German teams in advancing long-duration energy storage technologies.
Founded in Freiburg, Germany, in 2018, 1st Flow has focused on research and applications of vanadium flow battery technology for nearly 15 years. The establishment of this R&D center signifies a breakthrough in the development of high-power battery stacks, emphasizing safety, cost-effectiveness, and smart energy management to support global energy transition goals.
A key innovation of 1st Flow is its use of Directed Flow Field (DFF) technology, enabling ultra-high power density, lower costs, and enhanced durability. This technology distinguishes 1st Flow as one of only two companies worldwide employing this advanced method. While DFF technology demands higher technical expertise and innovation, it sets a new benchmark for vanadium flow battery design.
Shenzhen as a Global Hub
As the company's global headquarters, the Shenzhen center will accelerate international operations and develop end-to-end capabilities, from R&D to production and sales. 1st Flow's international team will expand rapidly, targeting markets in Europe and North America, while deepening its presence in China.
Key R&D Focus Areas
1st Flow has committed nearly 100 million RMB to R&D since its inception. The new center will prioritize:
- High-Power Stack Development: Progressing from fifth- to seventh-generation designs, enhancing power density and efficiency.
- Intelligent Energy Management: Building smart platforms for efficient, visualized energy system operation.
- Modular Storage Solutions: Delivering tailored, scalable systems for diverse applications.
With a team of over 70 international experts in electrochemistry, materials science, and battery manufacturing, the center is poised to drive transformative advances in vanadium flow battery technology.
International Collaboration and Innovation
1st Flow collaborates with world-renowned German institutions, including the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE), Fraunhofer-Institut für Chemische Technologie (ICT) and Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, leveraging their expertise in renewable energy, electrochemical storage, and advanced materials. These partnerships ensure cutting-edge solutions for global energy challenges.
A Vision for the Future
Long-duration energy storage plays a vital role in stabilizing renewable energy systems and mitigating grid fluctuations, addressing one of the key challenges of the energy transition. Highlighted as one of MIT Technology Review's "Top 10 Breakthrough Technologies" of 2022, this field is poised to reshape the future of energy storage. The Global Energy Interconnection Development and Cooperation Organization predicts that by 2050, long-duration energy storage will account for an impressive 95% of the world's total energy storage capacity. Among the leading solutions, vanadium flow batteries stand out for their exceptional stability, scalability, and cost-effectiveness over their lifecycle, making them an ideal choice for large-scale energy storage applications.